I design microcontroller electronics circuits and then write the software for those devices. These things are used for process control, monitoring/reporting, and even motion control. Often I need to design for processes that I am not familiar with, or sometimes learned 50 years ago. So, research is definitely needed. At a minimum, I must familiarize myself with the subject matter before I can work with client personnel.
Are my devices useful? The clients seem to think so. I've worked with life safety systems for rocket engine test facilities, prison security systems, medical equipment, water purity controls, and even typesetting. I am constantly hunting for information and sometimes struggling to understand it. A late comer in my career, AI has been helpful.
Thank you.